Winter Band Festival 2011

CCHYSB participated in the 3rd Winter Band Festival 2011 @ Hong Kong, from 29th November to 3rd December!

During this event, we participated in many activities, mainly taking part in the competition and the Disney Performing Arts Program (DPA).
On the first day, after arrival at Hong Kong, we had lunch at a local restaurant serving Chinese delicacies.
After that, we had an educational and cultural tour at Victoria Peak.
For us, it was an exhilarating experience to ride a tram up and be able to see the skyscrapers dotting the cityscape from a vantage point 396 metres above sea level!
At night, we had another cultural tour where we got to walk the Avenue of Stars, featuring Hong Kong's film stars!
Also, we got to witness the famous Symphony of Lights, a daily yet fascinating occurence in which buildings light up in sync with background music for 15 minutes. :)

The competition took place on 30th November, where we faced participants from countries like China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.
We were faced with a panel of three professional judges during our performance in Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium, being the 15th band to perform.
Despite strong competition and performing in an unfamiliar environment, we managed to attain a GOLD with 85.9%!!! :D
Great job participating members for bringing back the gold to Singapore! :)

On Day 3, we brought along our instruments to Ying Wa College to have a clinic with Mr Yatsuhide Ito, one of the judges during our competition.
Throughout the workshop, we were given a handful of tips to improve our performance and bring out the very best in us!
At the conclusion of the workshop, we presented the cute and cuddly Chung Cheng bear to Mr Ito and took a group photo. :)
We proceeded with a tour of Hong Kong Museum of History, learning about its humble beginnings and progress.
In this tour, we learnt many facts about Hong Kong we didn't know before, such as its ethanography.
The museum also had a large collection of all sorts of historical artefacts and materials, allowing us to explore many aspects of Hong Kong's culture.
After lunch, we headed to STFA Tam Pak Yu College for a band exchange with its secondary school band.
We performed for each other and had a section meet-and-greet with their fellow members, while savouring cakes and drinks!
In Singapore, where we're used to brands like Yeo's and Pokka, it can be interesting to note that the leading brands in Hong Kong are different.
Such are our differences despite being able to communicate in English that little variation can be amusing!
Many of us had built instant rapport with the bandsmen there, however vast were our cultures and language preferences,
so we were reluctant to leave when we finally had to bid our new friends good bye :'(

Our 4th day at Hong Kong was a long and exciting day!
After breakfast, we reported at the gates of Hong Kong Disneyland Park for our public performance there!!
After a short rehearsal, we were ready to perform in front of its renowned Animation Academy.
To suit the mood of the amusement park, we played Disney-related songs like Eurobeat Disney Medley and Colours of the Wind, from Pocahontas. :D
The next activity lined up was a lingering and much-loved memory for many of us, as it was...
FREE TIME AT HONGKONG DISNEYLAND!
Yes! We got to go on fun rides, take photos with our favourite Disney characters, have a free coupon lunch at its restaurants, and buy souvenirs!!
After our little go on the Wheel of Fun, we gathered at Adventureland for a DPA Workshop conducted by the Park's Music Director.
During the workshop, we learnt about much work done behind the scenes by the staff, and things that we so easily overlook, such as the music that is constantly being played in the Park, is actually chosen very carefully.
The Hong Kong Disneyland Band was also invited to play for us.
Despite being only a 9-man band, they played wonderfully and their sound filled up the whole auditorium!
It was a wonderful performance by them, and we felt inspired to improve ourselves :)
After a long day of exciting activities, we had our much awaited Gala Dinner at the Royal Banquet Hall.
It was an all-you-can-eat buffet, presenting many different varieties of lovely food!
From raw sashimi, to piping hot ham, to yummy mushroom soup, how could you not enjoy your meal?
After a hearty meal, we took photos with our favourite Disney stars - Mickey and Minnie - in sections.
To have the rare chance to pose with characters we only see on television was indeed an incredible experience! Wow!

Our last day at Hong Kong (sob) began with a motivational workshop by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, another of the competition adjudicators, at Ying Wah College after breakfast.
It was a really amazing workshop, as we got to explore our untapped potential, and to constantly give our best at whatever we do!
Also, to quote Dr. Tim, we learnt that "our talent can be unlimited... if we want it to be!" :)
True to his words, he need not make us cry to make his workshop a successful one, as we all benefited greatly from him. :D
After taking a group photo with him at the end of the workshop, we had lunch at a local restaurant (yum yum!)
Next, we had yet some free time to do LAST MINUTE SHOPPING! :D
We were allowed to walk around a shopping mall with our friends, and spend to our hearts' desires!
And thereafter, we headed for the Hong Kong International Airport, to fly back home.
After our short stay there, many of us had grown attached to the lovely city of sights and wanted to stay on, but sadly, all things come to an end, be it good or bad!
However, this trip will always leave a print in our memories and hearts.
One day, when we look back on our secondary school days, we would never forget this awesome experience in a foreign country! :D

Thank you Mr Toh, and ALL our teachers-in-charge; Ms Sharizan, Mrs Shah, Mrs Tan, Mr Chui and Ms Karen; for making this trip possible, and memorable!!
We hope we have done you proud! :)